How can you help students develop the skills they need for a global economy?

I suggest to engage students into real international learning experiences. We might think of students from diverse nationalities connected to realize projects that aim to resolve global issues. We should rethink the traditional model of learning adopted in most universities to make it project based, international wise and experimental.

For mono-lingual English speakers, it is valuable to be encouraged to not let your limited language ability interfere with all the interesting and worthwhile aspects of other cultures. In many countries, children speak many languages fluently and one result is a more natural cultural sensitivity and understanding. When children only speak English, they can get stuck only following an English-speaking sense of culture.

I organize monthly talks given by Embassies and international organizations to my students. This way they are exposed to different countries by representatives of these countries. There is time for interaction as well. By having interactions students are exposed to varied perspectives and experiences. Then I use material from these talks in my class and examinations. This way there is greater use of the material and some reflective learning.

For students in developing countries, access of internet is a privilege. Adding to that, lack of English comprehension hinders students chance to know the outside world. Teachers can experiment using traditional tool such as newspaper, mandating students to read newspaper every morning, 15 minutes before the class started. If the school has enough funding, bring students to museums. English should also be the main priority to be taught in school. Language opens students to new knowledge and opportunities, as well as the update on what’s happening in the world.

I require my students to visit international exhibitions and events and speak with exhibitors and speakers. This way they get what is required for the international arena directly from those seeking international collaboration. This activity helps students speak with others and learn about what professionals are doing.

An example I've seen is that cultural activities are learnt around common human behaviour. In this way, children can learn about different culture and discover that there is much in common. How do different cultures show appreciation for their meals before eating? How do different cultures greet their teachers at the beginning of class? There are other stark differences in cultures in terms of values but in this case I advocate balancing it with the many ways to indicate similarity between us as humans.

When I did my masters many years ago, one of my lecturers used the expression "cultural humility" when it comes to speaking with others. It's an expression and a habit of great value. What I have found is that it reminds me to ask questions more gently and politely. In many cases, I take a self-deprecating approach which sets the tone. "I'm a little bit embarrassed to say I don't know much about your culture but can you explain to me a little about....?"

Part of our program requires students to do a four month internship. During this period, I chat with my students to make sure they are using the resources available to them. Ask about how they are building a network and so on. I also encourage my students to take part in exchange programs. Some have and that is good.

One thing I've found helpful is to talk about culture as one of the most fascinating parts of our lives. It is the colour on the canvas of the world and is what makes the world dynamic. In this light, expressed positively by parents and teachers, children feel it is something to look into and to embrace. Cultural competency is first and foremost about taking an interest. Or for teachers to stimulate an interest and a curiosity. In my view, it is about seeing culture as a wonderful, magical, accessible part of being alive and open to learning.

As the world economy becomes increasingly integrated, it's crucial for students to gain a diversified skill set that reflects this global complexity, as follows: 1. Cultivate Multicultural Awareness 2. Boost Digital Literacy 3. Teach Financial Literacy 4. Develop Emotional Intelligence 5. Enhance Critical Thinking 6. Promote Language Proficiency 7. Foster Global Citizenship 8. Build Resilience and Adaptability By blending hard and soft skills with a multicultural lens, we're not just preparing students for jobs; we're making them world-ready. This holistic educational approach creates well-rounded individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to a global economy.